About Highland Consulting Associates, Inc.Highland Consulting Associates, Inc. provides a complete range of institutional consulting services. We provide these services to defined benefit, money purchase, profit sharing, 401(k), 403(b) and multi-employer plans. We also provide services to health and welfare funds, foundations and endowments
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The first step in our consulting process is the determination of a clear purpose for the investments. We discuss with clients related funding goals, real, relative, and total return objectives, cash flow and income requirements, and financial and risk profiles and demographics. Back to Top
INVESTMENT POLICY
With investment objectives established, we then help clients develop and maintain an investment policy to meet these objectives. An investment policy describes return goal, risk constraints, investment manager selection and monitoring, and the review process. The emphasis of the investment policy is on meeting both fiduciary duty and maximizing opportunities for success. Back to Top
ASSET ALLOCATION
The investment objectives and the investment policy help determine the asset allocation strategy for the investments. Relevant factors of asset allocation analysis include capital markets history, future economic and investment prospects, funding needs and time horizon. For participant-directed plans these fundamental asset allocation principles also help determine the number and type of investment options. Back to Top
INVESTMENT POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
Highland can assist clients in facilitating the implementation of the investment policy with appropriate service providers and investment vehicles. Highland conducts investment manager/fund, custodian, trustee, actuary, recordkeeper and auditor searches as needed to implement the policy. Back to Top
INVESTMENT GUIDELINES
When appropriate, guidelines are developed for investment managers. These guidelines include allowable investments, credit quality requirements, and asset allocation goals. In addition, Highland can help in developing procedures to ensure compliance. Back to Top
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Highland provides timely and accurate measurement of the total and individual investment categories. Performance measurement reports meet AIMR and consulting industry standards to effectively measure performance and communicate effectively to clients and their boards, fiduciaries and plan participants, where applicable. Back to Top
PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Highland reviews investment performance relative to each client's investment objectives and policy. Performance is measured against peer groups and appropriate indices. Style analysis and performance evaluation tools determine whether results are consistent with each manager's stated approach. Highland meets with investment managers, product and other related vendors to maintain a qualitative understanding of the marketplace and specific product offerings. We provide this information to clients on a timely basis. Back to Top
COST ANALYSES AND NEGOTIATIONS
The cost of investment products and services is important in general, and particularly to fiduciaries. The appropriate control of investment costs begins with understanding all costs. Highland conducts expense reviews and addresses any fee-related issues, commission recapture and negotiations with investment and service providers. Back to Top
401(K) RECORDKEEPER AND OTHER VENDOR SEARCHES
Periodically, clients need to review or select alternative 401(k) recordkeeper, actuarial, trustee/custodian, bookkeeper or other similar vendors. Highland has established thorough processes to assist clients with these evaluation and selection needs. Back to Top
INVESTMENT EDUCATION AND PLAN PARTICIPANT EDUCATION
Assistance is available to determine communication objectives and needs. Highland can help find service providers and/or published materials to meet these needs and review communication and education programs. If needed, Highland will conduct employee communication meetings or train presenters to do so. Back to Top
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE ASSET CLASSES AND INVESTMENT STYLES
Clients are apprised of alternative investment products and strategies, and new developments in the financial, investment and capital marketplace. There are investment opportunities created periodically that are worth researching and evaluating for their merits and potential applicability. Back to Top
PLAN DESIGN ASSISTANCE
Plan design and documentation can impact the effectiveness of the plan, investments and access to vendors. Our investment and employee benefits experience helps clients when plan changes are considered. Back to Top
CLIENT MEETINGS
Regular reviews of investment performance and other related issues are essential for effective management of an investment program. We generally meet quarterly with our clients to discuss these reviews and any relevant issues. Back to Top
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